Dubui-shoe (assistance free footwear for disabled)

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a shoe or sandal type of footwear comprising wireless, remote controlled, mechanical portions which pivot and/or slide to affix to a foot, or to detach from a foot, on command, in a handsfree manor. Wireless charging elements are also utilized to charge batteries of footwear in a handsfree manor.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to footwear with pivoting heel portion

Class: 36, Boots, Shoes, and Leggings

Subclass: 105/117.8/7.5/23/58.5

BACKGROUND

Many people have difficulties that limit their range of motion, makingputting on and removing footwear, difficult or impossible. Thisinvention improves upon said disabilities by allowing footwear such asshoes and sandals to be put on and removed without assistance fromeither hand or opposing foot.

SUMMARY

Footwear with pivoting heel portion and sliding quarter portion whichare actuated electrically and wirelessly, are disclosed.

Novel footwear including shoes and sandals, comprising a pivoting heelportion and/or a sliding quarter portion, which are actuatedmechanically and electrically by way of remote-controlled wirelesstransmitters and receivers, radio waves, infrared and/or Bluetooth app.

Footwear may also comprise of an electric release button and/or manualrelease chord.

Inductive wireless charging, may also be utilized within the footwear toaid in ease of use for disabled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in closed position

FIG. 2 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 1 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 3 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosures, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 4 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 3 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 5 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 6 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 5 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 7 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 8 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 7 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 9 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 10 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 9 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 11 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 12 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 11 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 13 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 14 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 13 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 15 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 16 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 15 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 17 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the presentdisclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 18 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 17 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 19 Schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of footwearof the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 20 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 19 ,depicted in the open position.

FIG. 21 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 22 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 23 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 24 Schematically illustrates a top view of a portion of footwearcomprising mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 26 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 27 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 28 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 29 Schematically illustrates a top view of footwear and wirelesscharger of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 Schematically illustrates a top view of a wireless charger ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number oftechniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefitand each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in somecases, all of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sakeof clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possiblecombination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion.Nevertheless, the specification and claims, should be read with theunderstanding that such combinations are entirely witching the scope ofthe invention and claims.

Novel footwear, including: shoes, sandals and sneaker style footwear,comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2 and a sliding vamp portion76, which are actuated electronically and mechanically by a wirelesstransmitter 28, transmitting a signal to a wireless receiver/transmitter16, comprised within the footwear, for ease of use, are discussedherein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are not set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the invention. It will be evident however toone skilled in the art of the present invention, that this may bepracticed without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theinvention and is not intended to limit the invention, and is notintended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustratedby the figures or description below.

The term, pivoting rear quarter portion 2, is defined as the rearportion of a footwear, which is sectioned about the ankle area,comprises the quarter, but does not comprise a portion of the sole 1 ofthe footwear, and is pivoted rearward upon a pivot point 3, or ismechanically slid rearward away from remainder of footwear.

The term ferrous magnetic metal 57, refers to any ferrous metal which ismagnetically attractive but does not comprise a magnetic field.

The term sliding vamp portion 76, is defined as the portion of footwear,in front of leg, which covers the top and sides of a foot 26, and isfashioned separately from the toe enclosure 7 in such a way that it willslide forward over toe enclosure 7,

The term wireless receiver/transmitter 16, is defined as electronicelements which emit and receive: radio frequency, infrared, neuralinkand/or Bluetooth signals which remotely control the movement andposition of the portions of the footwear of the present disclosure tothe desired position.

The term flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, is defined as aflexible rod fashioned with a gear segment which is actuated by a piniongear 35, in a rack 34 and pinion 35 fashion of movement to move theportions of the footwear of this disclosure.

Majorly this device is represented as a hand free invention for disabledpersons, though this invention or device is not limited to suchdescriptive terms, and may also comprise of electrical buttons,switches, pull cords, and may also be utilized by able bodied persons.

The terminology used herein, is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the term: “and/or”, includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items as used herein. The singularforms: ‘a’/‘an’, and ‘the’, are intended to include the plural forms aswell as the singular forms unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms: ‘comprise’ andor ‘comprising’ when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated: features, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but donot preclude the presence of addition of one or more other features,steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein, have the same meaning as commonly understood by onehaving ordinary skill in the area to which this invention belongs. Itwill be further understood that the terms such as these defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealizedor overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appendedfigures representing preferred embodiments. It should be furtherunderstood that mechanical elements 25, depicted in side viewillustrations, are present in same position upon opposite side offootwear.

FIG. 1 Schematically illustrates a side, top view, of a sneaker style offootwear, comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, a sliding vampportion 76, batteries 17, wireless charging receiver coil 63, flexiblerod comprising gear segments 44, sliding vamp portion attachment points77, manual release cord 39, electric release button 70, L.E.D. charginglight 61, toe enclosure 7, wireless receiver/transmitter 16, hollow tubefor flexible rod 37, electric motor 18, and mechanical elements 24.Mechanical elements 24 are depicted in FIG. 22 . Footwear is depicted inthe closed position, as if it were secured upon a foot 26.

FIG. 2 Schematically illustrates same sneaker style of footwear andelements as depicted in FIG. 1 , which is depicted here as being in theopen position, awaiting a wearer to insert a foot. Pivoting rear quarterportion 2, is pivoted rearward away from sole 1, and sliding vampportion 76, which is depicted as being slid forward over the toeenclosure 7. Mechanical elements 24 which actuate aforementionedportions are further depicted in FIG. 22 .

FIG. 3 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style offootwear with a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which pivots rearwardupon four rods 14 attached to four pivot points 3, with two pivotingrods 71 upon each side of footwear to equally support pivoting rearquarter portion 2 during transition of opening and closing. Sliding vampportion 76 and elements are also depicted. Mechanical elements 24 aredepicted in FIG. 22 . Footwear is depicted in the closed position, as ifit were secured upon a wearers foot 26.

FIG. 4 Schematically illustrates same sneaker style of footwear andelements as depicted in FIG. 3 , yet depicted in the open position,awaiting a wearer to insert a foot. Pivoting rear quarter portion 2, isdepicted with flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, extended,rendering pivoting rear quarter portion 2 up, and rearward upon theaforementioned pivoting rods 71. Sliding vamp portion 76, is depicted inits forward position, which occurs when flexible rod comprising gearsegments 44, which extends pivoting rear quarter portion 2, retracts atopposite end which is attached to sliding vamp portion 76. As flexiblerod comprising gear segments 76 is actuated by mechanical elements 24,it extends pivoting rear quarter portion 2, and retracts at oppositeend, moving sliding vamp portion 76, forward. Mechanical elements ofthis process are depicted in FIG. 22 .

FIG. 5 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style offootwear comprising pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which pivots on acentral pivot point 3 at outside rear of sole 1, and pivoting rearquarter portion 2. Sliding vamp portion 76 and aforementioned elementsare illustrated. Also present, is an attaching mechanism which consistsof a ferrous magnetic metal 57, to be comprised within or outside ofcontacting edge of pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which aligns withferrous magnetic metal 57 comprised within matching edge of sliding vampportion 76. Neither of the ferrous magnetic metals 57, are magneticuntil the pivoting bar comprising a magnet 60, is positioned into closedposition and in contact with one of the ferrous magnetic metals 57. Asthe magnet 4 contacts a ferrous magnetic metal 57, the magneticattraction occurs between the two separate ferrous magnetic metals 57.Thus creates a magnetic attachment which only requires one magnet 4 perside of footwear, instead of two and creates a magnetic attachmentwithin a footwear which can be turned on and off at will.

FIG. 6 Schematically illustrates a side view of same footwear of FIG. 5, depicted in the open position with pivoting rear quarter portion 2extended rearward and sliding vamp portion 72, slid forward over toeenclosure 7. Pivoting bar comprising magnet 60 is pivoted away fromferrous magnetic metal 57 by flexible rod comprising gear segments 44,at start of movement to open position which causes magnetic 4 attractionbetween the two ferrous magnetic metals 57 to fail on command.

FIG. 7 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style footwearcomprising: pivoting rear quarter portion 2, flexible attachment pointto quarter 49, flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, which isextended through a hollow tube for rod 37 by mechanical elements 24actuated by electric motor 18 and battery 17, which are controlled byreceiver/transmitter 16 which is commanded by way of wireless, remotecontrol transmitter 28. Mechanical elements of this depiction areillustrated in FIG. 24 . Wireless charging receiver coil 63 and wirelesscharger 64 for footwear, are illustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 .Footwear is depicted as being in the closed position as if secured upona persons' foot.

FIG. 8 Schematically illustrates same sneaker style of footwear from aside view as FIG. 7 , depicted in an open position, awaiting a foot 26to be inserted.

FIG. 9 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style offootwear comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which is pivotedby way of sliding rearward away from remainder of footwear by a slidingrod 74 which is actuated rearward by mechanical element 24 and electricmotor 18, which are powered by a battery 17 and wireless charging coil63, which are controlled by a transmitter/receiver 16, which iscommanded by way of wireless, remote control, transmitter 28. Forwardportion of pivoting rear quarter portion 2, is secured upon each side toa sliding attachment point 83, which slides upon a rod 14. Charginglight 61, electric button 70 and manual release cord 39, are alsoillustrated. Footwear is depicted in the closed position as if securedupon a foot.

FIG. 10 Schematically illustrates same side view of foot of FIG. 9 ,depicted in the open position, awaiting a foot 26 to be inserted.

FIG. 11 Schematically illustrates same footwear and elements illustratedin FIG. 5 , with an addition of a tongue 82, which is fashioned tounderside of top portion of toe enclosure 7, allowing sliding vampportion 76 to slide forward. Tongue 82, is fashioned in such a way thatit moves forward as sliding vamp portion 76 un-restricts its currentposition. Footwear is depicted in the closed position as if secured upona foot.

FIG. 12 Schematically illustrates same footwear and elements illustratedin FIG. 11 , depicted in open position, awaiting a foot 26, to beinserted. Tongue 82, is depicted in an up and forward positionprotruding from under top side of sliding vamp portion 76.

FIG. 13 Schematically illustrates footwear comprising pivoting rearquarter portion 2, sliding vamp portion 76 and previously depictedelements. In addition, latching levers 84, which are actuated byflexible rod comprising gear segments 44 at time of opening and closingto latch onto latching lever secure point 85, are also illustrated.Footwear is illustrated in the closed position with latching levers 84secured to latching lever secure point 85, as if secured upon a foot 26.

FIG. 14 Schematically illustrates footwear of FIG. 13 , depicted in theopen position, exposing the ends of the latching levers 84 and latchlever cavities 85, awaiting a foot 26 to be inserted.

FIG. 15 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sandal type offootwear in the closed position as if upon a foot. Pivoting rear quarterportion 2 is pivoted by a flexible rod comprising gear segment 44, whichis attached to and slides, sliding foot strap 90 by mechanical elements24 and electric motor 16, powered by a battery 17 and controlled byreceiver/transmitter 16 which is commanded by wireless, remote control,transmitter 28, and charged by wireless receiver coil 63.

FIG. 16 Schematically illustrates same footwear and elements of FIG. 15, depicted in the open position, with pivoting rear quarter portion 2,positioned rearward and sliding foot strap 90 is slid forward, awaitinga foot to be inserted.

FIG. 17 Schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of a sneakerstyle footwear, comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, whichcomprises latching lever secure points 85 within latching lever cavities89 and latching levers 84, which protrude into shoe sole to lever securepoint 85, and are actuated by actuating lever 11, which is attached toflexible rod comprising gear segment 44 in such a fashion as to pivotlatching levers 84 to release from lever secure points 85 as theextending process occurs. Opposite end of flexible rod comprising gearsegments 44, is attached to sliding vamp portion 76, in such a fashionas to release the latching levers 84 from lever secure points 85 withincavities 89 in the pivoting rear quarter portion 2 when contractingprocess begins to slide vamp portion 76 forward. Footwear is depicted asbeing in the closed position, as if secured upon a foot 26.

FIG. 18 Schematically illustrates same side view of portion of footwearof FIG. 17 , depicted in an open position, awaiting a foot 26, to beinserted, which also illustrates latching levers 84 protruding from sideof sliding vamp portion 76 and from bottom sides of pivoting rearquarter portion 2. Also illustrated are latching lever cavities 89 whichcomprise the lever secure point 85.

FIG. 19 Schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of a sneakerstyle of footwear comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, whichcomprises a ferrous magnetic metal 57, outside or within the forwardportion and are fashioned to align to contact the ferrous magnetic metal57 which are comprised within or about, sliding vamp portion 76, whichshall become magnetically attracted to each other by flexible rodcomprising gear segments 44, pivoting a pivoting rod comprising magnet 4against back side of ferrous magnetic metal 57, at last portion oftravel, during the retracting motion which renders pivoting rear quarterportion 2, in the closed position and magnetically secured to slidingvamp portion 76 by only using 1 magnet per side of footwear.Illustration is depicted in the closed position, as if secured upon afoot 26.

FIG. 20 Schematically illustrates a side view of same footwearillustrated in FIG. 19 , depicted in the open position, awaiting a foot26 to be inserted. Pivoting bar comprising magnet 60, is illustrated asresting against a backstop 59. This position occurs when flexible rodcomprising gear segments 44, begins to extend and remains in thisposition to pivot pivoting rear quarter portion 2. This position withthe pivoting rod comprising magnet 60, moved away from the ferrousmagnetic metal 57, causes the magnetic attraction between the twoferrous magnetic metal 57 to fail, thus causing a magnetic attractionwhich can be turned on and off to secure the footwear to a foot 26, orto remove the footwear.

FIG. 21 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical element 24,which pivot and slide portions of footwear depicted in this disclosure.Electric motor 18, rotates a worm gear 45, which is fashioned to rotatea drive gear 46, which comprises a pinion gear 35 which is fashioned tofit rack gear segments 34 in a rack and pinion 35 fashion and fashionedin such a way that when pinion gear 35 is rotated, each of the twoflexible rods comprising gear segments 44, will extend and contractequally—opposite. The direction of rotation of the electric motor 18,which may be controlled by way of the receiver/transmitter 16, reversingthe polarity of electricity supplied to the electric motor 18. Slidingvamp portion attachment points 77, pivoting rear quarter portionattachment points 78 and direction of travel arrows are depicted to moveto the open position.

FIG. 22 Schematically illustrates a top view of same mechanical elements24 of FIG. 21 and: manual release cord 39, electric wires 20, edge ofshoe sole 79, drive gear casing 66, battery 17, which is utilized byreceiver/transmitter 16, to supply electricity to electric motor 18which rotates worm gear 35, which rotates drive gear 46 and comprisedpinion gear 35, which actuate gear segments of the two flexible rodscomprising gear segments 44 to extend and contract sliding vamp portionattachment points 77 and pivoting rear quarter portion attachment points78 into desired location.

FIG. 23 Schematically illustrates a top view of elements described inFIG. 22 , with exception being that a hollow tube is present in place ofportion of flexible rod comprising gear segment 44, which slides slidingvamp portion 76. This hollow tube provides a cavity to protrude into aspinion gear 35 retracts flexible rod comprising gear segments 44 toclose pivoting rear quarter portion 2. This mechanical element 24, isdesigned to open and close the pivoting rear quarter portion 2 only.

FIG. 24 Schematically illustrates a top view of same illustration ofFIG. 23 , with the addition of pivoting rear quarter portion 2, andpivoting rear quarter portion attachment point 78.

FIG. 25 Schematically illustrates a side view of the pinion gear 35,drive gear 46, with a spring 12 at bottom, the manual release wedge 80at top attached to the manual release cord 39, the flexible rodcomprising gear segments 44 is illustrated in working position at restagainst the pinion gear 35. A gear casing 66 hold mechanical elements 24in place by way of drive gear shaft 65.

FIG. 26 Schematically illustrates a side view of same mechanicalelements of FIG. 25 , depicted in the released position. Manual releasecord 39, is attached to manual release wedge 80 by manual releaseattachment point 81. Manual release wedge 80 being pulled, causes piniongear 35, drive gear 46, to slide down drive gear shaft 65, againstspring 12, causing pinion gear 35 to lose contact with flexible rodcomprising gear segments 44, which can now move freely.

FIG. 27 Schematically illustrates a side view of magnetic latchingelements previously depicted in FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 , FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 .As illustrated, the pivoting bar comprising magnet 60, is pivoted upon apivot point 3 to position against a backstop 59 by flexible rodcomprising gear segments 44 which is attached at rod attachment pivotpoint 69, and away from ferrous magnetic metal 57. At this position,neither portion of ferrous magnetic metal 57, is magnetic, nor doeseither portion comprise a magnetic field. In current position, the onlything magnetic, is the magnet 4.

FIG. 28 Schematically illustrates a side view of elements of FIG. 27 ,with pivoting bar comprising magnet 60 positioned against one portion offerrous magnetic metal 57, which upon contact, causes portion of ferrousmagnetic metal 57 to become magnetic with a magnetic field, whichattracts to counter portion of ferrous magnetic metal 57. Pivoting ofpivoting bar comprising magnet 60 by flexible rod comprising gearsegments 44 essentially turns on and off the magnetic attraction betweenferrous magnetic metal 57. Current illustration is depicted in theclosed or latched position.

FIG. 29 Schematically illustrates a top view of a left footweardepiction 55, a right footwear depiction 56, and their correctpositioning to wireless charger 64. Also illustrated are, wirelesscharging receiver coils 63, located within the sole portion of thefootwear, and wireless charging inductive charging coils 62, andcharging electronics 75, are located within charger. An A.C. adapter 54,and electrical cord 53, are also attached to charging unit 64.

FIG. 30 Schematically illustrates a top view of wireless inductivecharging unit 64, A.C. adapter 54, power cord 53, wireless inductivecharging electronics 75 and inductive charging coils 62.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described hereinwith references to preferred material, embodiments and specific examplesthereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, thatother embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention and arecontemplated thereby and are intended to be covered by the followingclaim:

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

This device, when properly fashioned and utilized, may assist physicallydisabled individuals with the process of affixing and removing footwear,by way of wireless, remote controlled mechanical portions which pivotand/or slide away from foot entry point to receive a foot andmechanically pivot and/or slide back into position to secure to foot.Footwear may also utilize wireless charging technology to furtherprovide a handsfree footwear. Welcome to the future, GOD SPEED

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certaincombinations and sub-combinations that are novel and non-obvious. Otherembodiments and examples which perform similar functions and/or achievelike results, are intended to be covered by the following claims:

1. An enclosed type of footwear comprising: a pivoting rear quarterportion which slides rearward or pivots upon a pivot point at rearcenter of bottom portion of pivoting rear quarter portion above sole orupon rods which connect and pivot by way of extending flexible rodcomprising gear segments comprised within sole and is attached to eachside of or within pivoting rear quarter portion and is extended: andcontracted in a rack and pinion fashion, and contracted by way of: wormgear: pinion gear: drive gear: which are matched to gear segments withinflexible rod comprising gear segments, and are rotated either directionby electric motor which is electrified by remote controlled wirelessreceiver/transmitter, located within sole and is controlled by: wirelessremote control: Bluetooth: neuralink neurological implant: or cellularapp, which is electrified by battery, which is wirelessly charged bycomprising a wireless receiver coil: and electronics within sole offootwear, which are fashioned to rest beside a wireless charger whichcomprises wireless induction charging coils: and electronics: and whileopposite end of flexible rod with gear segments is attached to slidingvamp portion, which is separate from toe enclosure and is fashioned toslide on: a track: or within a crevice located on top of or side ofsole, and is fashioned to slide over the enclosure as pivoting quarterportion is pivoted rearward from remainder of footwear, and bothportions may utilize: latches: or ferrous magnetic metals within orabout contacting points of portions which are magnetized anddemagnetized on demand by flexible rod comprising gear segmentsactuating a magnet against, and away from one ferrous magnetic metal toattract opposing ferrous magnetic metal in an attaching fashion.
 2. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1 in a sandal type of footwear whichcomprises: A forked pivoting rear quarter portion which pivots byflexible rod comprising gear segments, which also slides a foot strapforward over toe area, which may be open or enclosed and controlled by:remote control: Bluetooth: cellular app: or neuralink neurologicalimplant.
 3. Article of footwear of claim 1 and claim 2 furthercomprising: L.E.D charging lights: manual release cord: activation: anddeactivation electric button and a pivoting quarter portion which pivotsby sliding rearward on or with a rod and away from remainder of footwearby flexible rod comprising gear segments extending and contracting toclose.